albanian style guide

Microsoft Albanian Style Guide

Albanian Style Guide

Published: December, 2017

Microsoft Albanian Style Guide of 47

Table of Contents

1 About this style guide ......................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Recommended reference material ......................................................................................... 4

2 Microsoft voice ...................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice ...................................................................................... 6

2.1.1 Word choice ........................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.2 Words and phrases to avoid ............................................................................................ 8

2.2 Sample Microsoft voice text ................................................................................................... 10

2.2.1 Address the user to take action .................................................................................... 10

2.2.2 Promote a feature .............................................................................................................. 11

2.2.3 Provide how-to guidelines .............................................................................................. 11

2.2.4 Explanatory text and support ........................................................................................ 11

3 Language-specific standards .......................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards ................................................................ 12

3.1.1 Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................... 12

3.1.2 Acronyms .............................................................................................................................. 14

3.1.3 Adjectives .............................................................................................................................. 16

3.1.4 Articles .................................................................................................................................... 17

3.1.5 Capitalization ....................................................................................................................... 19

3.1.6 Compounds .......................................................................................................................... 20

3.1.7 Conjunctions ........................................................................................................................ 22

3.1.8 Contractions ......................................................................................................................... 22

3.1.9 Gender .................................................................................................................................... 23

3.1.10 Genitive .................................................................................................................................. 23

3.1.11 Localizing colloquialism, idioms, and metaphors ................................................... 24

3.1.12 Modifiers ............................................................................................................................... 24

3.1.13 Nouns ..................................................................................................................................... 24

3.1.14 Prepositions .......................................................................................................................... 25

3.1.15 Pronouns ............................................................................................................................... 26

3.1.16 Punctuation .......................................................................................................................... 27


3.1.17 Sentence fragments .......................................................................................................... 30

3.1.18 Split infinitive ....................................................................................................................... 31

3.1.19 Subjunctive ........................................................................................................................... 31

3.1.20 Symbols & non-breaking spaces ................................................................................. 31

3.1.21 Verbs ....................................................................................................................................... 32

4 Localization considerations ............................................................................................................. 32

4.1 Accessibility .................................................................................................................................. 33

4.2 Applications, products, and features ................................................................................... 33

4.3 Trademarks ................................................................................................................................... 33

4.4 Geopolitical concerns ................................................................................................................ 33

4.5 Software considerations ........................................................................................................... 34

4.5.1 Error messages .................................................................................................................... 34

4.5.2 Keys ......................................................................................................................................... 37

4.5.3 Keyboard shortcuts/аccess keys ................................................................................... 38

4.5.4 Arrow keys ............................................................................................................................ 40

4.5.5 Numeric keypad ................................................................................................................. 41

4.5.6 Shortcut keys ....................................................................................................................... 41

4.5.7 English pronunciation ....................................................................................................... 44


1 About this style guide

This style guide is intended for the localization professional working on localized products that run on a Microsoft platform. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive coverage of all localization practices, but to highlight areas where Microsoft has specific preferences or deviates from standard practices for Albanian localization.

The primary goal of this guide is to help you understand and learn how to address all of the necessary linguistic and stylistic nuances of Albanian during the localization of your products and services.

The style guide covers guidelines and recommendations for translating the Microsoft voice into Albanian including words, grammatical structures, the needs of the audience, and the intent of the text that are to be considered. Each of these areas is supplemented with samples.

Other language considerations covered in this style guide are accessibility, trademarks, geopolitical concerns and specific software considerations.

We welcome your feedback, questions and concerns regarding the style guide. Please send your feedback via Microsoft Language Portal.

1.1 Recommended reference material

Unless this style guide or the Microsoft Language Portal provides alternative instructions, use the orthography, grammar, and terminology in the following publications:

Normative references

When more than one solution is possible, consult the other topics in this style guide for guidance.

1. Drejtshkrimi i gjuhës shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë 1973 (http://www.drejtshkrimi.net/).

2. Fjalori drejtshkrimor i gjuhës shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë 1976.

3. Gjuha letrare shqipe për të gjithë, Shtëpia botuese e librit shkollor, Tiranë, 1976. 4. Fjalor i gjuhës së sotme shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i

Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë 1980. 5. Fjalor i shqipes së sotme, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i Gjuhësisë

dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë, 1984.

https://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-US/feedback.aspx

https://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-US/Search.aspx


6. Për pastërtinë e gjuhës shqipe. Grupi i përpunimit dhe i redaktimit: prof. Androkli Kostallari (kryetar), prof. Emil Lafe, prof. Jani Thomai, dr. Engjëll Angoni, Akademia e Shkencave e RSH, Instituti i Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë, 1998.

7. Samara, M., Fjalor i antonimeve në gjuhën shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e RSH, Instituti i Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Shkup, 1998.

8. Thomai, J., Fjalor frazeologjik i gjuhës shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë, 1999.

9. Gramatika e gjuhës shqipe I. Akademia e Shkencave. Tiranë, 2002. 10. Gramatika e gjuhës shqipe II. Akademia e Shkencave. Tiranë, 2002. 11. Rregullat e pikësimit në gjuhën shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë,

Instituti i Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë 2002. 12. Fjalor i shqipes së sotme, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i Gjuhësisë

dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë 2002. 13. Fjalori sinonimik i gjuhës shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i

Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë 2004. 14. Fjalor i gjuhës shqipe, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë, Instituti i Gjuhësisë

dhe i Letërsisë, Tiranë 2006.

Microsoft User interface reference

A helpful reference is the Windows User Experience Interaction Guidelines.

2 Microsoft voice

Microsoft’s brand personality comes through in our voice and tone—what we say and how we say it. The design of Microsoft products, services, and experiences hinges on crisp simplicity.

Three principles form the foundation of our voice:

• Warm and relaxed: We’re natural. Less formal, more grounded in honest conversations. Occasionally, we’re fun. (We know when to celebrate.)

• Crisp and clear: We’re to the point. We write for scanning first, reading second. We make it simple above all.

• Ready to lend a hand: We show customers we’re on their side. We anticipate their real needs and offer great information at just the right time.

The Microsoft voice targets a broad set of users from technology enthusiasts and casual computer users. Although content might be different for different audiences, the principles of Microsoft voice are the same. However, Microsoft voice also means keeping the audience in mind. Choose the right words for the audience: use technical terms for technical audiences, but for consumers use common words and phrases instead.

https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/design


These key elements of Microsoft voice should extend across Microsoft content for all language locales. For each language, the specific choices in style and tone that produce Microsoft voice are different. The following guidelines are relevant for US English as well as many other languages.

Guidelines

Keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Write short, easy-to-read sentences. • Avoid passive voice—it’s difficult to read and understand quickly. • Be pleasant and ensure that explanations appear individualized. • Avoid slang and be careful with colloquialisms—it’s acceptable to reassure and

connect with customers in a conversational tone, but be professional in doing so.

2.1 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice

Translating into Albanian in a way that reflects Microsoft voice means choosing words and grammatical structures that reflect the same style as the source text. It also means considering the needs of the audience and the intent of the text.

The general style should be clear, friendly and concise. Use language that resembles conversation observed in everyday settings as opposed to the formal, technical language that’s often used for technical and commercial content.

When you localize source text written in Microsoft voice, feel free to choose words that aren’t standard translations if you think that’s the best way to stay true to the intent of the source text.

Because Microsoft voice means a more conversational style, literally translating the source text may produce target text that’s not relevant to customers. To guide your translation, consider the intent of the text and what the customer needs to know to successfully complete the task.

2.1.1 Word choice

Terminology

Use terminology from the Microsoft Language Portal where applicable, for example key terms, technical terms, and product names.



Short word forms and everyday words

Microsoft voice text written in US English prefers short, simple words spoken in everyday conversations. In English, shorter words are friendlier and less formal. Short words also save space on screen and are easier to read quickly. Precise, well-chosen words add clarity, but it’s important to be intentional about using everyday words that customers are accustomed to.

The following table lists some common words that are used for Microsoft voice in US English.

en-US word en-US word usage

App Use app instead of application or program.

Pick, choose Use pick in more fun, less formal or lightweight situations ("pick a color," not "choose a color") and choose for more formal situations (don’t use select unless necessary for the UI).

Drive For general reference to any drive type (hard drive, CD drive, external hard drive, etc.). Use specific drive type if necessary.

Get Fine to use as a synonym for "obtain" or "come into possession of" but avoid for other general meanings.

Info Use in most situations unless “information” better fits the context. Use “info” when you point the reader elsewhere ("for more info, see <link>").

PC Use for personal computing devices. Use computer for situations about PCs and Macs. Don’t switch between PC and computer.

You

Address the user as you, directly or indirectly through the use of first- and second-person pronouns like "you." Avoid third-person references, such as "user," as they sound formal and impersonal.

For information on localizing you, see the section Pronouns.

The Albanian Microsoft voice can be conveyed through similar means by using shortened words or short words used by people in daily conversations. Target audience is often reluctant to read and understand long text, especially when it contains obscure words. So, Albanian Microsoft voice uses simple and sort words to convey the meaning in an easier way. Adhere to approved terminology; don’t use different target terms for already established and approved terms.


Albanian word Albanian word usage

Gjej Use as an equivalent of "gjej vendndodhjen"

Mund Use as an equivalent of "ka mundësi"

TV Use as an equivalent of "televizor"

Lehtësoj Use as an equivalent of "bëj më të lehtë"

However, be careful with shortened English words such as "app" or "info" for which there is no shorter Albanian equivalent.

Albanian word Albanian word usage

App Aplikacion

Info Informacion

PC Kompjuter

2.1.2 Words and phrases to avoid

Microsoft voice avoids an unnecessarily formal tone. The following table lists US English words that add formality without adding meaning, along with more common equivalents.

en-US word/phrase to avoid Preferred en-US word/phrase

Achieve Do

As well as Also, too

Attempt Try

Configure Set up

Encounter Meet

Execute Run

Halt Stop

Have an opportunity Can

However But


Give/provide guidance, give/provide information Help

In addition Also

In conjunction with With

Locate Find

Make a recommendation Recommend

Modify Change

Navigate Go

Obtain Get

Perform Do

Purchase Buy

Refer to See

Resolve Fix

Subsequent Next

Suitable Works well

Terminate End

Toggle Switch

Utilize Use

For Albanian Microsoft voice avoid using formal words and expressions listed in the table. Use less formal variants provided below.

en-US source Albanian word to avoid Albanian word/phrase

Using Duke përdorur Me

Instead Në vend të saj/tij Më mirë (where applicable)

Please Të lutemi <nothing> (avoid using this term)

You need to Ke nevojë për Të duhet

Refer Referoju Shiko

Consult Konsultohu Këshillohu


2.2 Sample Microsoft voice text

The source and target phrase samples in the following sections illustrate the intent of the Microsoft voice.

2.2.1 Address the user to take action

US English Albanian target Explanation

The password isn’t correct, so please try again. Passwords are case-sensitive.

Fjalëkalimi s’është i saktë, kështu që provoje përsëri. Fjalëkalimet janë të ndjeshme ndaj kapitaleve.

The user has entered an incorrect password so provide the user with a short and friendly message with the action to try again.

This product key didn’t work. Please check it and try again.

Ky çelës produkti nuk funksionoi. Kontrolloje dhe provoje përsëri.

The user has entered incorrect product key. The message casually and politely asks the user to check it and try again.

All ready to go Gjithçka gati për të filluar Casual and short message to inform user that setup has completed, ready to start using the system.

Would you like to continue?

Dëshiron të vazhdosh? Use of the second person pronoun "you" to politely ask the user if they would like to continue.

Give your PC a name—any name you want. If you want to change the background color, turn high contrast off in PC settings.

Vëri kompjuterit një emër sipas dëshirës. Nëse dëshiron të ndryshosh ngjyrën e sfondit, çaktivizo kontrastin e lartë te Parametrat e kompjuterit.

Address the user directly using the second person pronoun to take the necessary action.


2.2.2 Promote a feature


Picture password is a new way to help you protect your touchscreen PC. You choose the picture—and the gestures you use with it—to create a password that’s uniquely yours.

Fjalëkalimi me imazh është një mënyrë e re për të të ndihmuar të mbrosh kompjuterin me ekran me prekje. Ti zgjedh imazhin – dhe gjestet që përdor me të – për të krijuar një fjalëkalim që është vetëm i yti.

Promoting a specific feature with the use of em-dash to emphasis the specific requirements to enable the feature which in this situation is picture password.

Let apps give you personalized content based on your PC’s location, name, account picture, and other domain info.

Lejoji aplikacionet të të japin një përmbajtje të përshtatur sipas vendndodhjes, emrit dhe imazhit të llogarisë së kompjuterit tënd, si dhe informacioneve të tjera të domenit.

Promoting the use of apps.

Depending on the context of the string you can add familiarity to the text by using everyday words for example, PC.

2.2.3 Provide how-to guidelines


To go back and save your work, click Cancel and finish what you need to.

Për t’u kthyer pas dhe për të ruajtur punën, kliko Anulo dhe përfundo atë që duhet.

Short and clear action using the second person pronoun.

To confirm your current picture password, just watch the replay and trace the example gestures shown on your picture.

Për të konfirmuar fjalëkalimin tënd aktual me imazh, thjesht shiko rileximin dhe ndiq gjestet shembull të shfaqura në imazhin tënd.

Voice is simple and natural.

The user isn’t overloaded with information; we tell them only what they need to know to make a decision.

2.2.4 Explanatory text and support


The updates are installed, but Windows 10 Setup needs to restart for them to work. After it restarts, we’ll keep going from where we left off.

Përditësimet u instaluan, por, që të funksionojnë, duhet të riniset Parametrizimi i Windows 10. Pas rinisjes së tij, do të vazhdojmë aty ku e lamë.

The language is natural, the way people talk. In this case voice is reassuring, letting the user know that we’re doing the work. Use of "we" provides a more personal feel.


If you restart now, you and any other people using this PC could lose unsaved work.

Nëse e rinis tani, ti dhe të gjithë njerëzit që jeni duke përdorur këtë kompjuter mund të humbni punët e paruajtura.

Voice is clear and natural informing the user what will happen if this action is taken.

This document will be automatically moved to the right library and folder after you correct invalid or missing properties.

Ky dokument do të zhvendoset automatikisht në bibliotekën dhe skedarin e duhur pasi të korrigjosh vetitë e pavlefshme ose që mungojnë.

Voice talks to the user informatively and directly on the action that will be taken.

Something bad happened! Unable to locate downloaded files to create your bootable USB flash drive.

Diçka shkoi keq! E pamundur të lokalizohen skedarët e shkarkuar për të krijuar njësinë e diskut të USB-së që mund të përdoret për fillimin.

Without complexity and using short sentences inform the user what has happened.

3 Language-specific standards

Information about Albanian-specific standards, such as phone number formats, date formats, currency formats, and measurement units are available from the GoGlobal Developer Center.

3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards

This section includes information on how to apply the general language and syntax rules to Microsoft products, online content, and documentation.

3.1.1 Abbreviations

Common abbreviations

You might need to abbreviate some words in the UI (mainly buttons or options names) due to lack of space. This can be done in the following ways:

- Using standardized abbreviations commonly used in the local culture, in the industry or the market and documented by Microsoft reference material or other authoritative source of references.

- Using general criteria for shortening words, such as:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/globalization/

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/globalization/


Omit at least two letters.

Truncate a word so that it ends with a consonant and place a period after it.

Examples: Vizualizimi > Vizual. Gjeografike > Gjeogr.

Use these common abbreviations of expressions:

Expression Acceptable abbreviation

shekull shek.

numër nr.

domethënë d.m.th.

zoti z.

zonja znj.

e të tjera etj.

gram g

apartament ap.

rruga rr.

shkalla sh.

profesor prof.

doktor dr.

Celsius C

metër m

centimetër cm

kilometër km

faqe (njëjës) fq.

faqe (shumës) f.

gigabajt GB


Expression Acceptable abbreviation

gigabit gbit

kilobajt KB

kilobit kbit

megabajt MB

megabit mbit

terrabajt TB

terrabit tbit

krahaso khs.

autori aut.

për shembull p.sh.

janar jan.

e shtunë sht.

e diel die.

Abbreviations should be avoided whenever possible, especially in words that don’t have a widely used abbreviated form.

3.1.2 Acronyms

Acronyms are words made up of the initial letters of major parts of a compound term. Common examples are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), DNS (Domain Name Server), and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).

Generally, during the localization into Albanian, the acronyms will be kept in English, but they will be accompanied with a generic term (descriptor) in Albanian, according to Albanian’s word order.

• (+) gjuha HTML • (+) protokolli FTP • (+) biblioteka DLL • (+) kodi PIN


Localized acronyms

In online help or documentation, spell out the words that comprise an acronym or abbreviation the first time that acronym is used in the text. You should include the language-specific translation, the US term, and the acronym as in the following examples:

• (+) Objektet e qasjes së të dhënave (Data Access Objects, DAO) • (+) Objektet e të dhënave ActiveX (ActiveX Data Objects, ADO)

In the user interface, there is usually not enough space for all three terms (US term, language-specific translation, and the acronym); only in wizards, the acronym can easily be spelled out and localized on first mention. If there are space constraints or there is no "first" occurrence, it’s up to you to judge to the best of your knowledge whether the acronym or abbreviation can be left as is or should be spelled out and localized.

You should also consider that different users will have different levels of knowledge about a product. Also try to be consistent within a product with your use of acronyms and initializations.

Note: Although the English acronym can’t generally be derived from the language-specific translation, creating a new acronym derived from the language-specific translated term is not an option. For example, don’t replace an English acronym with a language-specific acronym; instead, leave the English acronym or abbreviation intact, as in the following examples "where DLL" and "DPI" are correctly rendered as "DLL" and "DPI:"

Example:

en-US source Albanian target

NTFS file system Sistemi i skedarëve NTFS

Unlocalized acronyms

Many abbreviations and acronyms are standardized and remain untranslated. They are only followed by their full spelling in English if the acronym needs to be explained to the speakers of a different language. In other cases, where the acronym is rather common, adding the fully spelled-out form will only confuse users. In these cases, the acronym can be used on its own.


The following list contains examples of acronyms and abbreviations that are considered commonly understood; these acronyms and abbreviations should not be localized or spelled out in full in English:

• ANSI (American National Standards Institute) • ISO (International Standards Organization) • ISDN • DOS • DSL • CD • DVD

Example:


CD/DVD CD/DVD

If you’re unsure what an acronym or abbreviation stands for or refers to, contact your PM.

3.1.3 Adjectives

In Albanian language, handle adjectives in the following manner.

There are no specific rules in Albanian regarding the usage of adjectives in translations/localizations for Microsoft. The translator/reviewer should follow the strict rules for this matter, which can be found in respective books mentioned in the normative references.

The only thing to bear in mind is that adjectives can also have negative meaning through the use of a derivative marker. The following examples show how to do this in Albanian. During the translation into Albanian, the negative meaning of adjectives is expressed by different negative markers, for example: jo-, pa-, mos- etc. These negative markers are written jointly in unarticulated adjectives and are written separately in articled adjectives and nouns.


non-member (+) joanëtar

undefined (+) i papërcaktuar



invisible (+) i padukshëm

unavailable (+) jo në dispozicion

3.1.4 Articles

General considerations

Many error messages in English vary with regard to the use of articles, demonstrative and possessive pronouns. Be consistent in how you deal with such variation in Albanian.

• The definite article is used always in Albanian, even if it’s not present in English examples.

• The demonstrative pronouns are generally used in Albanian examples. • The possessive pronouns are not always used, depending on the context.

English example Albanian example Explanation

File already exists The file already exists This file already exists

(+) Skedari tashmë ekziston In complete sentences, use determiners consistently even if the US string does not.

Not enough memory to complete this operation.

(+) Nuk ka memorie të mjaftueshme për të përfunduar këtë operacion.

No need to use a demonstrative construction, unless it’s important in context.

Windows 10 can’t start your system. If the problem persists, contact your network administrator.

(+) Windows 10 nuk mund të nisë sistemin. Nëse problemi përsëritet sërish, kontakto administratorin e rrjetit.

Avoid using possessive marker "your" unless ownership is important in context.

Unlocalized feature names

Microsoft product names and non-translated feature names are used without definite or indefinite articles in the English language. Non-translated feature names should be used without a hyphen or article in Albanian language.

Examples:



Windows password (+) Fjalëkalimi i Windows

(-) Fjalëkalimi i Windows-it

Microsoft SQL Server Database Baza e të dhënave e Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft BackOffice product family Familja e produktit të Microsoft Office

Localized feature names

By contrast, translated feature names are used with a definite or indefinite article as they are not treated as proper names.

Examples:


Hide the Task Manager when it’s minimized

Fshih Menaxherin e detyrës kur minimizohet

Check for updates in your installed Media Player's language

Kontrollo për përditësime në gjuhën e Lexuesit të medias të instaluar

Articles for English borrowed terms

When faced with an English loan word previously used in Microsoft products, consider these options:

• Motivation: Does the English word have any formally motivated features that would allow a straightforward integration into the noun class system of the Albanian language?

• Analogy: Is there an equivalent Albanian term whose article could be used? • Frequency: Is the term used in other technical documentation? If so, what article

is used most often?

The internet may be a helpful reference here.

Check the Microsoft Language Portal to confirm the user of a new loan word and its proper article to avoid inconsistencies.



Examples:

en-US source Anglicism in Albanian

language Correct example

Accidental CapsLock (-) CapsLock aksidental (+) CapsLoc i rastësishëm

Excellent! (-) Ekselent! (+) Shkëlqyeshëm!

Accommodate learning abilities

(-) Akomodo aftësitë e mësimit

(+) Vendos aftësitë e mësimit

Explicit Eap failure received

(-) Dështim eksplicit i Eap-it të marrë

(+) Dështim i qartë i protokollit Eap të marrë

Invalid device command (-) Komandë invalide e pajisjes

(+) Komandë e pavlefshme e pajisjes

3.1.5 Capitalization

The rules of capitalization in English source are not always followed in Albanian, because the English language tends to overuse capitals. For example, in "Using File Properties" every word is written in capitals, but in Albanian only the first word is written in capital "Përdorimi i vetive të skedarit."

In Albanian the names of weeks, months, languages and ethnonymes are not written in capital: e hënë, e diel; janar, qershor; shqip, anglisht; shqiptar, anglez etc.

For detailed rules of capitalization, see the respective reference in the normative reference section.

Some strings are concatenated "at run-time" and you will occasionally find strings that seem to lack a subject or simply start in the middle. Be careful not to start such strings with an upper-case letter, unless the spelling rules of your language require it.

Example of a string:

English: is trying to connect to this computer. If you allow, you will be disconnected, but you can resume later. Do you want to allow this connection?\r\n

Albanian: po përpiqet të lidhet me këtë kompjuter. Nëse e lejon, do të shkëputesh, por mund të vazhdosh më vonë. Dëshiron që ta lejosh këtë lidhje?\r\n


English example Albanian example

unknown software exception\r\n (+) përjashtim i panjohur i softuerit\r\n

Using File Properties (+) Përdorimi i vetive të skedarit

Monday (+) e hënë

January (+) janar

English (+) anglisht

Albanian (+) shqiptar

If an English noun is capitalized in the source string and it’s translated by two words in the target language, follow the source capitalization for proper nouns according to Albanian grammar rules, but use sentence case as mentioned above. Note consistency of capitalization in translation.

Example:

English: Database Albanian: Baza e të dhënave

3.1.6 Compounds

Compounds should be understandable and clear to the user. Avoid overly long or complex compounds. Keep in mind that unintuitive compounds can cause intelligibility and usability issues.

Noun and verb compounds are a frequent word formation strategy in English. Product user interfaces, online help, and documentation contain a number of such examples. However, not all languages use compounding to create complex word meanings.

Albanian language employs compounding as a word formation strategy. There is no length restriction that Albanian places on the formation of compounds. The Albanian compounds spelled jointly, or delimited by hyphens.

Generally, compounds should be understandable and clear to the user. Overly long or complex compounds should be avoided by verbally expressing the relationship among the various compound components. Keep in mind that unintuitive compounds are ultimately an intelligibility and usability issue.


Examples:


Internet Accounts Llogaritë në internet

Logon script processing Përpunimi i skriptit të lidhjes

Workgroup Administrator Administratori i grupit të punës

Internet News Server Name Emri i serverit të të rejave në internet

Compounds with product or component names

The compounds below contain both, product and component names. The product names are marked in red. Product names are usually trademarked and, therefore, must remain unchanged. Additions to a product or component name are added with a hyphen or, if that’s not appropriate, you need to create a periphrastic construction.

The product names must remain unchanged, but they will be accompanied by an additional Albanian word according to Albanian’s word order.


Windows password Fjalëkalimi i Windows

Microsoft Word document Dokument në Microsoft Word

Microsoft SQL Server Database Baza e të dhënave e Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft BackOffice product family Familja e produktit të Microsoft BackOffice

ActiveX Control Kontrolli ActiveX

Note: The major product groups use the following unlocalized product portfolio names; these are considered product names and they are always used without a hyphen or article in any language:

• Microsoft Office System • Microsoft Windows Server System • Windows Mobile


Compounds with acronyms, abbreviations or numerals

The compounds below contain either an abbreviation or a numeral followed by a component name. The abbreviation or numeral is marked in red in the English example. The Albanian example below show how such constructions should be translated.


CD-ROM drive (+) Njësia e diskut CD-ROM

2-D gridlines (+) Vijat e rrjetës 2-D

24 bit color value (+) Vlera e ngjyrës 24 bit

3.5 Floppy (+) Disketa 3.5

51/4-inch Floppy (+) Disketa 51/4 inç

35mm slides (+) Diapozitivët 35 mm

3.1.7 Conjunctions

For en-US Microsoft voice, use of conjunctions is another way to help convey a conversational tone. Starting a sentence with a conjunction can be used to convey an informal tone and style.

For Albanian Microsoft voice the use of some short conjunctions rather than long and unusual conjunctions is preferred, in order to convey the informal tone to the target audience.

Albanian classic use of conjunctions Albanian modern use of conjunctions

Në qoftë se Nëse

Në mënyrë që Që

Në rast se Nëse

3.1.8 Contractions

For en-US Microsoft voice, contractions help to convey a conversational tone and are used whenever possible.


en-US long form en-US contracted form

Do not Don’t

Also for Albanian Microsoft voice, use of contractions help convey a conversational tone. The contractions are used a lot in everyday life, making the conversation flow more quickly and naturally.

Albanian long form Albanian contracted form

nuk është s’është

nuk ka s’ka

çfarë është ç’është

çfarë kemi ç’kemi

3.1.9 Gender

There are no specific rules in Albanian regarding this issue, and for neutral usage the masculine form is preferred. It does not stress gender differences or reinforce stereotypical distinctions between men and women. So the masculine form will be used during the localization into Albanian language.

3.1.10 Genitive

The genitive case in Albanian is formed with the articles i/e/të/së according to the respective rules of inflection.

Follow all general rules regarding the inflection in the genitive case, except for unlocalized product/feature names which should not take any flections. (for example, attaching genitive flections to (trademarked) product names is not feasible, as it could be interpreted as a modification of such names.)

Example:


Microsoft IME (+) Redaktori IME e Microsoft

(-) IME e Microsoftit


3.1.11 Localizing colloquialism, idioms, and metaphors

The Microsoft voice allows for the use of culture-centric colloquialisms, idioms and metaphors (collectively referred to "colloquialism").

Choose from these options to express the intent of the source text appropriately.

• Don’t attempt to replace the source colloquialism with an Albanian colloquialism that fits the same meaning of the particular context unless it’s a perfect and natural fit for that context. But keeping in mind that Albanian products also ship to Kosovo, be mindful that an Albanian colloquialism may not be appropriate for Kosovo.

• Translate the intended meaning of the colloquialism in the source text (not the literal translation of the original colloquialism in the source text), but only if the colloquialism’s meaning is an integral part of the text that can’t be omitted.

• If the colloquialism can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the text, omit it.

3.1.12 Modifiers

In Albanian localized text you often need to use modifiers expressed in adjectives, pronouns, numerals or another noun that are part of a group lead by a noun, or a part of a noun group. Use of modifiers should follow general usage rules of Albanian as mentioned in the normative reference books.

Example:


Run a custom dialog box. atur. (modifier expressed with another noun)

3.1.13 Nouns

General considerations

Nouns are naming words: they can be particular names of particular people or things, or generic designations. The noun is characterized in its morphology by grammatical categories of gender, number, case and definiteness. Each noun has a specific gender on its own in contrast with adjectives whose gender depends on the noun they modify.


Inflection

In Albanian there are two major types of noun inflection, conventionally called Masculine (because most nouns that designate males follow this inflection pattern) and Feminine (because most nouns that designate females follow this inflection pattern). To know whether a noun is masculine or feminine there is a simple rule of thumb: most nouns whose citation form ends in a consonant are masculine; most nouns whose citation form ends in a vowel are feminine.

Plural formation

The nouns in Albanian form their plural form in several ways, including taking of suffixes, such as -a, -ra, -sh, etc., and preserving their form as in singular.

There are a lot of rules which apply for the plural formation of nouns in Albanian and they can’t be mentioned all here. For detailed rules see reference books mentioned in the normative reference.

3.1.14 Prepositions

Be aware of proper preposition use in translations. Many translators, influenced by the English language, omit them or change the word order.

Prepositional phrases in English need to be translated according to their context; anglicisms should be avoided. The table below contains frequently used verbs and the prepositions that follow them. Use this table as a reference.

Source text expression Albanian expression Comment

migrate to (+) migro në

Migrate from (+) Migro nga

import to (+) importo në

import from (+) importo nga

export to (+) eksporto në

export from (+) eksporto nga

update to (+) përditëso në

upgrade to (+) përmirëso në


Source text expression Albanian expression Comment

change to (+) ndrysho në

click on (+) kliko në

connect to (+) lidhu në This can be translated "lidhu me" depending on the context.

welcome to (+) mirëserdhe në …

The examples below contain frequently occurring noun phrases that are preceded by a preposition. Please use this table as a reference.

Usually, the prepositions "in" and "on" are translated with the same preposition "në" in Albanian.

Source text expression Albanian expression

in the toolbar (+) në shiritin e veglave

on the tab (+) në skedë

on the menu (+) në meny

on the net (+) në rrjet

on the Internet (+) në internet

on the Web (+) në ueb

on a web site (+) në sajtin e uebit

on a web page (+) në faqen e uebit

3.1.15 Pronouns

The characteristic semantic of pronouns is to refer rather than designate. While nouns, adjectives and numbers have specific, independent and fixed meanings, pronouns indicate their referents as to certain categorical properties, so that a given pronoun may refer to quite different referents in different contexts. Depending on their meaning and function, pronouns in Albanian may be classified in some types, such as personal pronouns, reflexive pronouns, relative pronouns etc. For the complete rules of pronouns see normative reference.


Personal pronouns are a powerful way to express all the attributes of the Microsoft voice. The source text is moving away from indirect methods of referring to the user as "user" and instead addressing the user directly through first- and second-person pronouns like "you." Avoid third-person references, such as "user," they sound formal and impersonal.

en-US classic user reference en-US modern user reference

Users can change when new updates get installed. You can change when new updates get installed.

This setting provides users with the best display appearance.

Choose one of these schemes or make your own.

The Albanian Microsoft voice can be conveyed similarly through the use of first-person and second-person pronouns. The second-person singular pronoun (ti) is used when the program or a wizard is telling the user what to do. The use of first-person pronoun (I, me, my) must be strictly avoided when the program or a wizard is telling the user what to do, as it may give the impression of impersonation of the program or the computer.

Albanian classic user reference Albanian modern user reference

Përdoruesi mund të ndryshojë kohën kur të instalohen përditësimet e reja.

Mund të ndryshosh kohën kur të instalohen përditësimet e reja.

Programi duhet të kujtojë fjalëkalimin tim. Kujto fjalëkalimin tim

Trego kur një pajisje e re Bluetooth përpiqet të lidhet me kompjuterin e përdoruesit

Më trego kur një pajisje e re Bluetooth pëpiqet të lidhet me kompjuterin tim

Përdoruesi rekomandohet të rezervojë rregullisht skedarët e tij.

Të rekomandojmë të rezervosh rregullisht skedarët e tu.

Nuk rekomandohet që përdoruesi të instalojë këto paketa kodekësh.

Nuk të rekomandojmë të instalosh këto paketa kodekësh.

S’mund të gjej printer. Dëshiron të shtosh një? S’mund të gjejmë printer. Dëshiron të shtosh një?

3.1.16 Punctuation

Follow the following basic rules for the use of punctuation marks in Albanian. If your language uses a character set that’s based on the Latin alphabet, make sure to include


a space after commas and periods. For the complete punctuation rules see the respective book mentioned in the normative reference.

The punctuation in Albanian is not very different from English, but there are some exceptions.

• Usually there is no space before the signs of punctuation. • At the beginning of a consecutive sentence, one space is used before the first word. • At the end of a sentence or paragraph, they also serve as the final period. • Suspension points are not used after the word "etc."

Comma

In a series consisting of three or more elements with similar grammatical function, the elements will be separated with commas.

In a list, a comma is not used before "and" and before "etc."

Colon

Colons are used to introduce lists and explanations. A colon is used at the end of an introductory phrase even if it’s not a complete sentence.

The word following a colon is not capitalized unless the colon is at the end of a heading or the text following the colon is a complete quotation.

Example:

US English Albanian target

Backup from: backup disc. Rezervo nga: disku i kopjes rezervë.

Dashes and hyphens

Three different dash characters are used in English:

Hyphen

The hyphen is used to divide words between syllables, to link parts of a compound word, and to connect the parts of an inverted or imperative verb form.


Example: kom-/-pjuter hyrje-dalje

En dash

The en dash is used as a minus sign, usually with spaces before and after.

This is mainly used in direct speech.

Example: – Ekipi i Microsoft në Shqipëri...

Em dash

The em dash should only be used to emphasize an isolated element or introduce an element that’s not essential to the meaning conveyed by the sentence. This is used between words that express distance and time frames.

Example: (+) distanca Tokë—Hënë, (+) periudha janar—maj.

Ellipses (suspension points)

Instead of three periods for suspension points the ellipsis character "…" must be used in printed documentation.

When indicating an omitted word, it’s used before and after the ellipsis.

Period

In Albanian a single space is used after the period.

A period is used in all complete sentences, i.e. sentences with a conjugated verb. For the complete rules of period in Albanian see punctuation rules book mentioned in normative reference.

Example:


Verify data after the backup completes. Verifiko të dhënat pasi të përfundojë rezervimi.


Quotation marks

Quotation marks indicate repeated words, clauses, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs spoken or written by someone else, that’s, from another source.

In US source strings, you may find software references surrounded by English quotation marks. Follow the following basic rules for the use of quotation marks in Albanian.

• The English quotation marks are used during Albanian localization. • The sign of punctuation that follow the last quotation mark is used after the

quotation mark (not before). • When quotation marks are within other quotation marks, the insider quotation

marks are single.

Example:


To install the license on this computer, click "Install license."

Për të instaluar licencën në këtë kompjuter, kliko "Instalo licencën".

Parentheses

In English, there is no space between the parentheses and the text inside them. The same rule applies for the usage of parenthesis in Albanian. They are preceded and followed by a space before and after them.

Example:


Backup Wizard (Advanced) Eksperti për rezervim (I përparuar)

3.1.17 Sentence fragments

For the Microsoft voice, use of sentence fragments helps convey a conversational tone. They are used whenever possible as they are short and to the point.

en-US long form en-US sentence fragment

Use the following steps. Here’s how


Albanian Microsoft voice uses standard sentence fragments in order to keep a consistent style for translating similar source phrases, while keeping the sentences brief and maintaining the attributes of the Microsoft voice.

Albanian long form Albanian sentence fragment

Ndiq hapat në vijim. Vepro kështu:

Për informacione të tjera, vizito <link>. Për informacione të tjera, shiko <link>.

Can’t make sync Sinkronizimi i pamundur

Ndoshta do të dëshiroje të kontaktosh me mbështetjen teknike, nëse ky problem vazhdon.

Mund të kontaktosh me mbështetjen teknike, nëse ky problem vazhdon.

3.1.18 Split infinitive

The split infinitive is not used in Albanian, while the preferred form of the verb is the first person singular.

Example: (+) "përpunoj" and not (-) "me përpunu"

3.1.19 Subjunctive

Subjunctive mood is basically the mood that indicates dependency of the verb. The subjunctive mood has a present tense and three past tenses: imperfect, perfect, and past perfect.

See Albanian grammatical rules for further reference.

3.1.20 Symbols & non-breaking spaces

The symbols used in Albanian are mainly from scientific fields. Regarding the symbol entered in Albanian recently, their usage should follow the English one.

Examples: 90°C, 100Ω, © Microsoft Corporation, etc.

Non-breaking spaces in Albanian should be used in these cases:

- Between a number and a unit of measurement - As the thousands separator

Examples: 10 cm, 66 040.


3.1.21 Verbs

For US English Microsoft voice, verb tense helps to convey the clarity of Microsoft voice. Simple tenses are used. The easiest tense to understand is the simple present, like we use in this guide. Avoid future tense unless you’re describing something that will really happen in the future and the simple present tense is inapplicable. Use simple past tense when you describe events that have already happened.

The Albanian Microsoft voice also uses simple tenses to maintain the same clarity and simplicity in structure as the source text.

Albanian old use of verb tense Albanian new use of verb tense

Sapo të ketë përfunduar konfigurimi i aplikacionit, në desktop do të shfaqet ikona.

Sapo të përfundojë konfigurimi i aplikacionit, në desktop do të shfaqet ikona.

Do të mund të hysh në llogari, pasi të kesh futur fjalëkalimin e saktë.

Mund të hysh në llogari, pasi të fusësh fjalëkalimin e saktë.

Nëse nuk pranon deklaratën e privatësisë, konfigurimi do të ndalojë.

Nëse nuk pranon deklaratën e privatësisë, konfigurimi ndalon.

Note:

Continuous operations are usually expressed in English with a gerund, which should be translated into Albanian using the verb form "duke + verb participle."

Example: Downloading files … (+) Duke shkarkuar skedarët…

4 Localization considerations

Localization means that the translated text needs to be adapted to the local language, customs and standards.

The language in Microsoft products should have the "look and feel" of a product originally written in Albanian, using idiomatic syntax and terminology, while at the same time maintaining a high level of terminological consistency, so as to guarantee the maximum user experience and usability for our customers.


4.1 Accessibility

Accessibility options and programs are designed to make the computer usable by people with cognitive, hearing, physical, or visual disabilities.

Hardware and software components engage a flexible, customizable user interface, alternative input and output methods, and greater exposure of screen elements.

General accessibility information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/enable/education/.

4.2 Applications, products, and features

Product and application names are often trademarked or may be trademarked in the future and are therefore rarely translated. Occasionally, feature names are trademarked, too (for example, IntelliSense™). Before translating any application, product, or feature name, verify that it’s in fact translatable and not protected in any way. This information can be found here.

Version numbers

Version numbers always contain a period (for example, Version 4.2).

Version numbers are usually also a part of version strings, but technically they are not the same.

4.3 Trademarks

Trademarked names and the name Microsoft Corporation shouldn’t be localized unless local laws require translation and an approved translated form of the trademark is available. A list of Microsoft trademarks is here.

4.4 Geopolitical concerns

Part of the cultural adaptation of the US-product to a specific market is the resolution of geopolitical issues. While the US-product is designed and developed with neutrality and a global audience in mind, the localized product should respond to the particular situation that applies within the target country/region.

Sensitive issues or issues that might potentially be offensive to the users in the target country/region may occur in any of the following:

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/education/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/intellectualproperty/trademarks/en-us.aspx

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/intellectualproperty/trademarks/usage/default.aspx


• Maps • Flags • Country/region, city and language names • Art and graphics • Cultural content, such as encyclopedia content and other text where historical or

political references are present

Some issues are easy to verify and resolve. The localizer should have the most current information available. Maps and other graphical representations of countries/regions should be checked for accuracy and existing political restrictions. Country/region, city, and language names change on a regular basis and should be checked, even if previously approved.

A thorough understanding of the culture of the target market is required for checking the appropriateness of cultural content, clip art and other visual representations of religious symbols, and body and hand gestures.

4.5 Software considerations

This section refers to all menus, menu items, commands, buttons, check boxes, and other UI elements that should be consistently translated in the localized product.

4.5.1 Error messages

Here is an example:

Error messages are messages sent by the system or a program, informing the user of an error that must be corrected in order for the program to keep running. The messages can prompt the user to take action or inform the user of an error that requires restarting the computer.

Considering the underlying principles of Microsoft voice, translators are encouraged to apply them to ensure target translation is more natural, empathetic and not robot-like.


Albanian style in error messages

Use consistent terminology and language style in the localized error messages, and not just translate them as they appear in the US product.

In English error messages, names of products, features and devices are often used as the subject of the sentence. In Albanian, this kind of personalization should be avoided. Therefore, if the product the message refers to is obvious and implied based on context, it can be omitted. On the contrary, in complex products such as operating systems where more components run simultaneously and could be the cause of an error, use the following pattern:

[ProductName]: [message translated in the impersonal form]

Examples:

Word can’t open this document Dokumenti nuk mund të hapet

Data Protection Manager could not copy the files to the selected location Data Protection Manager: skedari nuk mund të kopjohet në vendndodhjen e zgjedhur

When personalization can’t be avoided, otherwise important information would be lost, bring the object at the beginning of the sentence and move the subject at the end.

Examples:

The driver can’t recognize the specified command Komanda e përcaktuar nuk njihet nga drejtuesi

RASMXS.DLL can’t load RASSER.DLL RASSER.DLL nuk mund të ngarkohet nga RASMXS.DLL

Whenever possible, the "to be" auxiliary is omitted in error messages.

Examples:

The function is not supported Funksioni nuk mbështetet

An error number was specified that’s not defined in the system Numri i specifikuar i gabimit nuk përcaktohet në sistem


An invalid parameter was passed to a system function, Një funksion i sistemit ka marrë parametër të pavlefshëm

Standard phrases in error messages

These phrases commonly occur in error messages. When you translate them, try to use the provided target phrases. However, feel free to use other ways to express the source meaning if they work better in the context.

Examples:

English Translation Example

Can’t …

Could not …

(+) Skedari nuk mund të gjendej

(+) Skedari nuk mund të gjendet

File could not be found

File can’t be found

Failed to …

Failure of … (+) Dështoi të lidhej

Failed to connect

Failure to connect

Can’t find …

Could not find …

Unable to find …

Unable to locate …

(+) Nuk mund të gjejë softuerin e drejtuesit

(+) Nuk mund të gjente softuerin e drejtuesit

(+) Nuk është në gjendje të gjejë softuerin e drejtuesit

(+) Nuk është në gjendje të gjejë vendndodhjen e softuerit të drejtuesit

Can’t find driver software

Could not find driver software

Unable to find driver software

Unable to locate driver software

Not enough memory

Insufficient memory

There is not enough memory

There is not enough memory available

(+) Memorie e pamjaftueshme

(+) Memorie e pamjaftueshme

(+) Nuk ka memorie të mjaftueshme

(+) Nuk ka memorie të mjaftueshme në dispozicion

Not enough memory

Insufficient memory

There is not enough memory

There is not enough memory available

... is not available

... is unavailable

(+) Komanda nuk është në dispozicion

(+) Komanda nuk është në dispozicion

The command is not available

The command is unavailable


Error messages containing placeholders

When localizing error messages containing placeholders, try to find out what will replace the placeholder. This is necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct when the placeholder is replaced with a word or phrase. Note that the letters used in placeholders convey a specific meaning.

Examples:

%d, %ld, %u, and %lu means <number> %c means <letter> %s means <string>

Examples of error messages containing placeholders:

"Checking Web %1!d! of %2!d!" means "Checking Web <number> of <number>." "INI file "%1!-.200s!" section" means "INI file "<string>" section."

4.5.2 Keys

In English, references to key names, like arrow keys, function keys and numeric keys, appear in normal text (not in small caps).

English key name Albanian key name

Alt Alt

Backspace Backspace

Break Break

Caps Lock Caps Lock

Ctrl Control

Delete Delete

Down Arrow Shigjeta poshtë

End End

Enter Enter

Esc Esc

Home Home


English key name Albanian key name

Insert Insert

Left Arrow Shigjeta majtas

Num Lock Num Lock

Page Down Page Down

Page Up Page Up

Pause Pause

Right Arrow Shigjeta djathtas

Scroll Lock Scroll Lock

Shift Shift

Spacebar Tasti i hapësirës

Tab Tab

Up Arrow Shigjeta lart

Windows key Tasti Windows

Print Screen Print Screen

Menu key Tasti i menysë

4.5.3 Keyboard shortcuts

Sometimes, there are underlined or highlighted letters in menu options, commands or dialog boxes. These letters refer to keyboard shortcuts, which help the user to perform tasks more quickly.


The following table lists special options for keyboard shortcuts in US-English interfaces and describes whether each option is allowed in Albanian:

Keyboard shortcut special options

Usage: is it allowed?

Notes

"Slim characters," such as I, l, t, r, f can be used as keyboard shortcuts

Yes

Usually "Slim characters" are not used as keyboard shortcuts. They are used as keyboard shortcuts only when there is no other choice.

Characters with downstrokes, such as g, j, y, p and q can be used as keyboard shortcuts

Yes

Usually "Characters with down strokes" are not used as keyboard shortcuts. They are used as keyboard shortcuts only when there is no other choice.

Extended characters can be used as keyboard shortcuts

Yes

Usually "Extended characters" are not used as keyboard shortcuts. They are used as keyboard shortcuts only when there is no other choice.

An additional letter, appearing between brackets after item name, can be used as a keyboard shortcut

Yes

It’s not preferred to use additional letters as keyboard shortcuts. They are used as keyboard shortcuts only when there is no other choice.

A number, appearing between brackets after item name, can be used as a keyboard shortcut

Yes

It’s not preferred to use numbers as keyboard shortcuts. They are used as keyboard shortcuts only when there is no other choice.

A punctuation sign, appearing between brackets after item name, can be used as a keyboard shortcut

No

Duplicate keyboard shortcuts are allowed when no other character is available

No

No keyboard shortcut is assigned when no more characters are available (minor options only)

Yes


Content writers usually just refer to “keyboard shortcuts” in content for a general audience. In localization, however, we distinguish the following terms:

Term Usage

access key

A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A letter or number that the user types to access UI controls that have text labels. Access keys are assigned to top-level controls so that the user can use the keyboard to move through the UI quickly.

Example: F in Alt+F

Example in UI localization: H&ome

In keyboard shortcuts, most access keys are used with the Alt key.

key tip

The letter or number that appears in the ribbon when the Alt key is pressed.

In UI localization, the key tip is the last character present in the strings after the “`” character.

Example: In UI localization Home`H

shortcut key

A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A key that the user types to perform a common action without having to go through the UI. Shortcut keys are not available for every command.

Example: Ctrl+N, Ctrl+V

In keyboard shortcuts, most shortcut keys are used with the Ctrl key.


Ctrl+letter combinations and function keys (F1 through F12) are usually the best choices for shortcut keys.

4.5.4 Arrow keys

The arrow keys move input focus among the controls within a group. Pressing the right arrow key moves input focus to the next control in tab order, whereas pressing the left arrow moves input focus to the previous control. Home, End, Up, and Down also have their expected behavior within a group. Users can’t navigate out of a control group using arrow keys.

4.5.5 Numeric keypad

Avoid distinguishing numeric keypad keys from the other keys, unless it’s required by a given application. If it’s not obvious which keys need to be pressed, provide necessary explanations.

4.5.6 Shortcut keys

Shortcut keys are keystrokes or combinations of keystrokes used to perform defined functions in a software application. Shortcut keys replace menu commands and are sometimes given next to the command they represent. While access keys can be used only when available on the screen, shortcut keys can be used even when they are not accessible on the screen.

Standard shortcut keys

US command US English

shortcut key Albanian command

Albanian shortcut key

General Windows shortcut keys

Help window F1 Dritarja e ndihmës F1

Context-sensitive Help

Shift+F1 Ndihma në kontekst Shift+F1

Display pop-up menu Shift+F10 Shfaq meny kërcyese Shift+F10

Cancel Esc Anulo Esc

Activate\Deactivate menu bar mode

F10 Aktivizo/Çaktivizo modalitetin e shiritit të menysë

F10





Switch to the next primary application

Alt+Tab Kalo në aplikacionin tjetër parësor

Alt+Tab

Display next window Alt+Esc Shfaq dritaren tjetër Alt+Esc

Display pop-up menu for the window

Alt+Spacebar Shfaq menynë kërcyese për dritaren

Alt+Spacebar

Display pop-up menu for the active child window

Alt+- Shfaq menynë kërcyese për dritaren bijë aktive

Alt+-

Display property sheet for current selection

Alt+Enter Shfaq fletën e veçorive për përzgjedhjen aktuale

Alt+Enter

Close active application window

Alt+F4 Mbyll dritaren aktive të aplikacionit

Alt+F4

Switch to next window within (modeless-compliant) application

Alt+F6 Kalo në dritaren tjetër brenda aplikacionit (që përputhet me mungesën e modalitetit)

Alt+F6

Capture active window image to the Clipboard

Alt+Prnt Scrn Fotografo pamjen e dritares aktive në kujtesën e fragmenteve

Alt+Prnt Scrn

Capture desktop image to the Clipboard

Prnt Scrn Fotografo pamjen e tryezës në kujtesën e fragmenteve

Prnt Scrn

Access Start button in taskbar

Ctrl+Esc Hap butonin Nisja në shiritin e detyrave

Ctrl+Esc

Display next child window

Ctrl+F6 Shfaq dritaren tjetër bijë Ctrl+F6

Display next tabbed pane

Ctrl+Tab Shfaq panelin tjetër me skeda Ctrl+Tab

Launch Task Manager and system initialization

Ctrl+Shift+Esc Hap menaxherin e detyrave dhe nisjen e sistemit

Ctrl+Shift+Esc





File menu

File New Ctrl+N Skedari i ri Ctrl+N

File Open Ctrl+O Skedari Hape Ctrl+O

File Close Ctrl+F4 Skedari Mbylle Ctrl+F4

File Save Ctrl+S Skedari Ruaje Ctrl+S

File Save as F12 Skedari Ruaje si F12

File Print Preview Ctrl+F2 Skedari Paraafishimi i printimit Ctrl+F2

File Print Ctrl+P Skedari Printoje Ctrl+P

File Exit Alt+F4 Skedari Dil Alt+F4

Edit menu

Edit Undo Ctrl+Z Redakto Zhbëje Ctrl+Z

Edit Repeat Ctrl+Y Redakto Përsërite Ctrl+Y

Edit Cut Ctrl+X Redakto Prite Ctrl+X

Edit Copy Ctrl+C Redakto Kopjoje Ctrl+C

Edit Paste Ctrl+V Redakto Ngjite Ctrl+V

Edit Delete Ctrl+Backspace Redakto Hiqe Ctrl+Backspace

Edit Select All Ctrl+A Redakto Zgjidhi të gjitha Ctrl+A

Edit Find Ctrl+F Redakto Gjej Ctrl+F

Edit Replace Ctrl+H Redakto Zëvendëso Ctrl+H

Edit Go To Ctrl+G Redakto Shko te Ctrl+G

Help menu

Help F1 Ndihmë F1

Font format





Italic Ctrl+I Pjerrët Ctrl+I

Bold Ctrl+B Trashë Ctrl+B

Underlined\Word underline

Ctrl+U Nënvizuar/Nënvizim fjale Ctrl+U

Large caps Ctrl+Shift+A Kapitale të mëdha Ctrl+Shift+A

Small caps Ctrl+Shift+K Kapitale të vogla Ctrl+Shift+K

Paragraph format

Centered Ctrl+E Qendërzuar Ctrl+E

Left aligned Ctrl+L Drejtvendosur majtas Ctrl+L

Right aligned Ctrl+R Drejtvendosur djathtas Ctrl+R

Justified Ctrl+J Drejtvizuar Ctrl+J

4.5.7 English pronunciation

General rules

Generally speaking, English terms and product names left unlocalized in target material should be pronounced the English way. For instance, “Microsoft” must be pronounced the English way. For instance, Microsoft must be pronounced the English way. If numbers are involved, pronounce them in Albanian. For example, "Microsoft Word 2010."

However, if your language has an established pronunciation for some common term (such as "server") the local pronunciation should be used. Moreover, pronunciation can be adapted to the Albanian phonetic system if the original pronunciation sounds very awkward in Albanian language.

Example Phonetics Comment

SecurID [sı’kjuər aı di:]

.NET [dot net]

Skype [skajp] It’s pronounced the way it’s pronounced in the source language. I put "j" instead of "i" as it’s nearer to the English pronunciation.


Acronyms and abbreviations

Acronyms are pronounced like real words, adapted to the local pronunciation:

Example Phonetics

RADIUS [radius]

RAS [ras]

ISA [isa]

LAN [lan]

WAN [uan]

WAP [uap]

MAPI [mapi]

POP [pop]

Other abbreviations are pronounced letter by letter

Example Phonetics

ICMP [icəməpə]

IP [ipə]

TCP/IP [təcəpə/ipə]

XML [xəmələ]

HTML [hətəmələ]

OWA [oua]

SQL [səqələ]

URL [urələ]

URLS

"http://" should be omitted; the rest of the URL should be read entirely.

"www" should be pronounced as "dubəl vəː" in Albanian.


The "dot" should be omitted, but can also be read out. If you read it out, then it must be pronounced the Albanian way, as "pikë."

Example Phonetics Comment

http://www.microsoft.com dubəl və dubəl və dubəl və pikə maikrosoft pikə kom

"pikə" might be omitted

Punctuation marks

Most punctuation marks are naturally implied by the sound of voice, for example, ? ! : ; ,

En Dash (–) are used to emphasize an isolated element. It should be pronounced as a comma, i.e. as a short pause.

Special characters

Pronounce special characters such as / \ ˘ < > + - using the Albanian approved translations, for example, "<" will be pronounced "kllapa këndore e majtë".


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